Joppa - Homeless Ministry
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Homeless Ministry
JOPPA is a volunteer-driven, interdenominational, nonprofit organization in Iowa that helps the homeless survive, get housing, and rebuild lives. JOPPA'S MISSION is to create a community of unconditional love, support, and hope for the homeless as we all work together to end homelessness.
St. Boniface began supporting JOPPA ten years ago. Activities include Welcome Baskets, Plarn Mats, Sunday Routes, Tiny Home Village, Gift Baskets for Christmas, Memorial Service, and Joppa Resource Center (2326 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA)
The Ministry Team at St. Boniface consists of parishioners who are passionate about sharing the joy of the Gospel with the homeless. The SB Homeless Ministry Team consists of Mark Henderson (Chair), Kathy Masters, Tim Dvorak, Lisette McCracken, and Tom Cross.
Sara Krohnke (Parish Life and Pastoral Care) will continue to serve as Administrative Staff Liaison for Joppa Ministry Team.
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Welcome Baskets
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We are excited to announce the revitalization of our Joppa Partnership and invite you to join us in making a difference in the homeless.
As part of our renewed commitment to supporting newly housed clients, we are launching an initiative to create Welcome Baskets. These baskets will provide essential items to help individuals and families settle into their new homes with comfort and dignity.Here are ways to help:
DONATE ITEMS: We are in need of the following new or gently used essentials:
· Silverware / Knives
· Kitchen Utensils
· Dish Sets / Glassware
· Dish Cloths / Towels
· Baking Pans / Pots & Pans / Oven Mitts
· Small Kitchen Appliances
· Dish Rack / Drying Mat
· Laundry Baskets
· 13 Gallon Trash Cans
· Mixing Bowls
· Cleaning Supplies
· Garbage Liners
· BiblesALL ITEMS CAN BE PLACED IN THE WOODEN BIN LOCATED IN BOTH ENTRANCES. Thank you!
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VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME:
· Help us assemble Welcome Baskets or deliver them to newly housed clients. Your time and effort can make a lasting impact on someone’s life.SPREAD THE WORD:
· Share this initiative with friends, family, and your community to expand our reach and support.
OTHER WAYS:
· Joppa operates a high-end Thrift Mart, where proceeds directly benefit the homeless. Shopping for or donating items is another great way to support.
· If you’re planning a garage sale, replacing household items, or enjoy thrift shopping, consider items that can be included in a Welcome Baskets or donated directly to Joppa.
· We can also use clean plastic shopping bags to make PLARN mats for the homeless.
Together, We Can Make a Difference!
By working together, we can create communities filled with love, support, and hope for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. Thank you for being part of this important mission!
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“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me" (Matthew 25:35-36)
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Ways of Engagement
- Homeless Supplies: Joppa lists items needed to meet basic needs. Parishioners can donate items in the marked wooden boxes in the church entryways and the team will deliver them to Joppa.
- Welcome Baskets: They contain basic items as well as things they have wished for, like a coffee maker, toaster, etc. You’re welcome to purchase new ones or donate clean, gently used items to add to the Welcome Baskets. You can volunteer to deliver the baskets too!
- PLARN MATS: Parishioners can collect clean, plastic grocery sacks to crochet “plarn mats” (plastic yarn) from cut bags. You can either do it at home or gather with other parishioners and do it in the parish hall!
- Sunday Routes: Every Sunday, Joppa schedules teams to go out to homeless camps and those newly housed to deliver food and survival supplies. Teams deliver heaters and replace propane tanks on Saturdays. We will coordinate the schedule for you.
- Joppa Tiny Home Village: Joppa is replicating "Community First! Village" (9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin, TX 78724) to help lift 50 homeless individuals off the streets. St. Boniface Parish will continue to contribute to the realization of this project of providing safe and supportive environment to the homeless.
- Homeless Christmas Celebration: Every December, Joppa organizes an Annual Remembrance Service for the homeless. Following this service, Joppa hosts Christmas Celebration for the homeless.
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